Target Audience:
Luxury Sedan Buyers, Fleet Operators, Do-It-Yourself Enthusiasts, Professional Mechanics
Key Competitors:
Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DTS, Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon
Vehicle Attributes:
Comfort-oriented, spacious interior, quiet ride, V6 and V8 engine options, front-wheel drive (standard), all-wheel drive (optional on some trims)
Powertrain Options:
Choice of a robust 3.8L V6 (naturally aspirated or supercharged) or a refined 4.6L Northstar V8, offering a balance of performance and smooth operation.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Starting & Charging System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Control System, Automatic Transmission (4T80-E, 4T65-E)
Chassis:
Brake System (including ABS, Traction Control), Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System (including Power Steering), Wheel & Tire Assembly, Drive Shaft, Axles, Differential
Body And Electrical:
Climate Control (HVAC), Air Conditioning, Electrical System, Multiplex/CAN Communication, Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer System, Door Locks, Meter & Audio/Visual Systems, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats, Engine Hood/Doors, Exterior & Interior Trim, Lighting System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks & Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-up Procedures
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Component Testing, Symptom-based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Electrical System Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams
Repair Overhaul:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Service, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair & Replacement
Body And Paint:
Door and panel alignment, trim removal and installation, bumper repair, glass replacement.
Interior Systems:
Seat removal and repair, headliner replacement, dashboard disassembly, airbag system servicing (with specific safety precautions).
Depth:
Factory Level - Complete Disassembly and Reassembly, Detailed Specifications, Torque Values, Special Tool Requirements
Diagnostic Tools:
References to GM's official diagnostic scan tools (e.g., Tech 2) and common OBD-II diagnostic procedures.
Engine 1:
3.8L (3800) Series III V6 (L36/L32)
Engine 1 Hp:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm (L36), 240 hp @ 5200 rpm (L32 Supercharged)
Engine 1 Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (L36), 285 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (L32 Supercharged)
Engine 2:
4.6L Northstar V8 (LD8/LPL)
Engine 2 Hp:
275 hp @ 6000 rpm (LD8), 292 hp @ 6300 rpm (LPL)
Engine 2 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (LD8), 309 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (LPL)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection Type:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Engine Management System:
GM ECM (Engine Control Module)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (4T80-E - for V8 models)
Transmission Features:
Driver Shift Control (DSC), Tow/Haul Mode (on some models)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Front Offset Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Available StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control)
Passive Safety:
Dual-stage Front Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Available Curtain Side Airbags, Active Head Restraints
Infotainment Features:
Available touchscreen navigation system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, available Bose premium sound system, auxiliary audio input
Driver Assistance Features:
Available Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, available Backup Camera, available StabiliTrak
Connectivity Features:
Available OnStar communications system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (DEX-COOL)
Spark Plug Replacement:
V6: Typically 100,000 miles. V8 Northstar: Varies, consult manual for specific model year and engine variant.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, Dexos compliant if applicable for newer standards)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI (for 4T65-E and 4T80-E)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 or 89022783 (Orange DEX-COOL, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Common Issues V6:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (Series II 3800), coolant leaks, oil pressure sensor issues, motor mounts (especially on supercharged models)
Common Issues V8:
Northstar engine specific issues (e.g., head gasket failures, oil cooler line leaks), spark plug thread issues (though less prevalent on later Northstars), variable valve timing (VVT) actuator issues
Common Issues General:
Suspension component wear (struts, ball joints), power steering fluid leaks, HVAC blend door actuator failures, window regulator failures, occasional ABS sensor faults
Brand Identity:
Buick is a legacy American automotive brand known for its focus on comfort, quietness, and a smooth ride, often positioned as a more upscale offering within General Motors.
Lucerne Positioning:
The Lucerne replaced the Buick LeSabre and Park Avenue, serving as Buick's flagship sedan, built on a lengthened version of GM's Epsilon platform.
Key Updates:
2006: Introduction. 2008: Minor styling refresh, introduction of available Magnetic Ride Control. 2009: Addition of Super trim with the supercharged 3800 V6 and StabiliTrak standard.
Assembly Location:
Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
Initial Reception:
Generally praised for its comfortable ride and quiet cabin, appealing to traditional Buick buyers. Criticisms often focused on dated styling and less engaging driving dynamics compared to some competitors.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by year and powertrain; some model years received average to below-average reliability ratings, particularly concerning the Northstar V8 and certain electrical components.
